THE TRANSFORMATION OF ALBANIAN NATIONALISM FROM NATION TO STATE

Abstract

Manifestations of nationalist movements in the Balkans are interrelated. Different peoples of the Balkans firstly have started and then adopting the nationalist sentiments after the researches and studies of cultural, historical and linguistic issues. Beginning of this process was simultaneous with modernizing and centralizing efforts of the Ottoman Empire. The study of Albanian nationalism through theories of nationalism detect the character of new invented traditions, the creation of common myths and guarantees of luminous future. Such a result puts Albanian nationalism in same line with other nationalist movements in the world.Also the element of "other" in Albanian nationalism has a special significance.Through this elements have been made strong efforts to eliminate local and religious diversity. Period from Prizren League 1878 to Independence 1912 was called as Albanian Renaissance because of struggles for formation of national identity.The Declare of Independence in 1912 and development of Balkan Wars 1912-1913 were important indicators for the transformation of Albanian nationalism. From nationalism which creates nation has passed into nationalism that tries to establish the state to pass then into legitimacy for governance. The period from 1912 to 1924 is the fundamental part of transformation of the Albanian nationalism. The anarchy which have been created after the departure of Ottoman rule, the Balkan Wars,instability of local government and local efforts for political power and authority are a series of issues which affected the transformation of Albanian nationalism.